Cleaning Paneled Walls and Woodwork FAQs

Real Wood

Regular removal of dust with a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner brush is all the cleaning needed for most real wood paneled walls and woodwork. Occasionally, if soil sticks to the surface, clean with a commercial cleaner made for wood paneling, or a cleaning wax made for wood, following directions exactly. Always test a cleaner you have not tried before on a small inconspicuous area to be sure it does not damage the finish of the wood, before starting to clean. (See Hardboard note below.)

In cleaning wood, the type of finish is most important in deciding what to use so that the finish is not injured. The type of wood is not important, except when color is a consideration. Wood paneling and woodwork, with heavy, longtime buildup of grease and dirt may need stronger treatment. Moisten a cloth with mineral spirits and test by rubbing on a hidden spot to be sure it doesn't damage the wood finish. If satisfactory, use to rub on a small area of the soiled woodwork, turning the cloth.

• Caution: Most solvents are very flammable and dangerous to breathe! Open doors and windows for ventilation. Be sure there are no sparks or flames (such as pilot lights) in the area! As solvent cleaning removes oily residues, it also may dull a waxed finish. Apply a wax suitable for wood finish. Usually this will be a solvent-based wax which must be polished. Some spray-type solvent-based waxes will not need heavy polishing, but one must avoid spraying them on other surfaces.

Hardboard and Simulated

Hardboard panels are often made to look like wood or other building materials and have a plastic coating which can be washed with detergent solutions and rinsed like painted walls. If very dirty, use a stronger solution, testing first in a hidden spot to be sure it doesn't damage the finish; or use a commercial household cleaner whose label says it's safe for painted walls, and rinse thoroughly. Do not use solvents on hardboard or particleboard panels, as it may damage the surface.